NO BEEF

07.28.14

Jordan Cool With LeBron Wearing 23

Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Michael Jordan said he is totally fine with LeBron James’s decision to reclaim 23 with his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jordan immortalized the jersey number during his career with the Chicago Bulls, but he says 23 isn’t exclusive to him. "I'm cool with it,'' Jordan told ESPN.com via text message. "I don't own a number.'' James chose 23 for his NBA premiere with the Cavaliers because he grew up idolizing Jordan. James switched to number 6 when he joined the Miami Heat, which he said was out of respect for Jordan. He even said at the time, "I feel like no NBA player should wear 23." James appaeared to have a change of heart. On Sunday, he announced via Instagram “23 it is! It's only right I go back. 2·3=6 We still family 6.”